Flushing Meadows-Corona Park (the "Park") was built in
1936-38 by Robert Moses, New York City's Master Builder, for the 1939 World’s
Fair. The new Park included space for cultural institutions that continue to
operate in the Park: the Queens Museum of Art, the New York Hall of Science,
the Theater in the Park, the Queens Botanical Garden and the Queens Wildlife
Center (Zoo). From 1945 to 1950, Flushing Meadows provided the first home of
the United
Nations, and, in 1964, Flushing Meadows was again home to the World’s Fair. We
cannot ignore the cultural and historic significance of Flushing
Meadows-Corona Park. Neither, however, can we forget that the site of these
historic events is today a vibrant park. While remembering these historic
events and preserving the historic structures within the park, we must also
maintain the Park facilities and open spaces for the recreational use of
Queens residents. The Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Conservancy has been formed
in order to preserve the natural, historical, cultural, and recreational
legacy that the Park offers the people of the City of New York.
Over the years, a variety of factors resulted in broken water fountains and
shuttered comfort stations. Structures built for the two World’s Fairs rusted
and cracked and discouraged potential Park users. For example, the Aquacade,
used for years for public concerts, special events and as a public swimming
pool, fell into disrepair, was closed and later demolished. The now landmarked
Unisphere decayed. Park-wide erosion of fields and increased pollution in the
Park’s lakes discouraged the public from using the Park.
During the 1980’s and 1990’s, new immigrants introduced sports like soccer,
volleyball and cricket to the Park, increasing the demand for useable Park
facilities. The Annual Dragon Boat Races held each summer at Meadow Lake have
become an all-Queens happening that attracts thousands. Ethnic, cultural and
religious festivals are held on spring and summer weekends, attracting as many
as 100,000 participants. The groups who use the park for their community
athletic and cultural events reflect the incredible diversity of Queens.
A period of rejuvenation began in 1992 when the United States Tennis
Association built the National Tennis Center where the US Open is played.
Around that same time, the position of Park Administrator was created.
Numerous improvements followed, including construction of new ball fields,
buildings, playgrounds, recreation and comfort facilities and a promenade
along the shore of Flushing Bay, as well as the new swimming pool and ice
skating facility currently under construction.
The Park is currently enjoying tremendous visitation. Families and community
groups gather in
the Park on weekends for recreation, picnicking, and sports, mostly around the
Fairgrounds and major playing fields in the northern section of the Park. Work
must be done to improve the recreational facilities available, and to maintain
those open spaces and fields in the best condition possible. Meadow Lake is
used for boating and recreational fishing but needs rehabilitation. The
natural areas and wetlands around Willow Lake are closed to the public because
of safety concerns about the bridge over Flushing Creek, which was destroyed
by fire years ago.
A group of civic leaders from the Borough of Queens has formed the Flushing
Meadows-Corona Park Conservancy (the "FMCP Conservancy") in recognition of the
need for an organization devoted to the restoration and preservation of the
Park. The primary purposes of the FMCP Conservancy are: (1) to advance the
restoration, maintenance and safety of the Park and (2) to foster public
awareness of and support for the Park. Our mission is to preserve, maintain,
and restore the natural, historical and cultural integrity of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in order to ensure continued recreational and educational
opportunities for the surrounding communities.
The Conservancy will work closely with the Department of Parks, the Park
Administrator and the Queens Commissioner of Parks in deciding how the funds
raised are to be spent. Come, join our efforts. Flushing-Meadows Corona Park
is the largest park in Queens--help us make it the best!
To preserve, restore and maintain the natural, historic and
cultural integrity of Flushing Meadows Corona-Park in order to ensure the
park's continued educational, environment and recreational benefits.